Caribbean and Latin America

Sign up for more savings Many travel companies let customers know about new destinations and fire sales on last-minute deals through their e-mail newsletters. Some offer subscriber discounts on all bookings. Check out their websites for more options; and tell them Budget Travel sent you!

How was your trip? Have you taken a 40 Best Deals vacation? E-mail us how it went at Letters@BudgetTravel.com.

Coral World Ocean Park on St. Thomas (Courtesy Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort) [enlarge photo] 40 BEST DEALS • U.S. and Canada • Caribbean and Latin America • Europe • Asia, Africa and Middle East • Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific 40 BEST DEALS • Before You Read These Listings…

It pays to book directly with an airline Shop for airfares on meta-search websites like Farecast, SideStep, and Kayak and then book directly with the airline—you'll have more clout in the event that your flight is canceled.

Beyond hotels Looking for an affordable place to stay during the holidays? Consider renting an apartment or even a house. Check out websites like rentalo.com, interhome.us, villasintl.com, vrbo.com, and craigslist.org.

CARIBBEAN

A Trip You'll Flip For
Giving you better options than stuffed toys, this deal lets you hug 350-pound South American sea lions. Bragging rights make the best souvenirs.

St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. from $708
Four nights at the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, a 25-minute sea lion swim at Coral World Ocean Park, and breakfasts. Airfare isn't included in the price. When: Oct. 1–31 ($708); Nov. 1–Dec. 19 ($776). Information: Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, 800/524-2000, frenchmansreefmarriott.com.

Fall Back and Relax
Ease into winter with spa packages at six Hilton hotels in Curaçao, Barbados, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad. The three-night deals start at $642 for a stay at the Hilton Kingston Jamaica and include a manicure, a pedicure, a massage, a facial, and breakfasts.

Puerto Rico from $688
Three nights at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, a 50-minute massage, a 50-minute facial, a mani-pedi, a box of chocolates, and breakfasts. Add $42 for transfers. The price is per room based on two people; airfare isn't included. Information: Hilton Hotels, 877/464-4586, hiltoncaribbean.com/spa.

Bahamas from $654
Spirit Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, all transfers, and three nights at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Fuel surcharges are included. When: Monday departures Oct. 6–27; Dec. 1, 8. Other Gateways: Orlando ($699); Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, D.C., New York ($844). SS: $359. Information: Spirit Vacations, 407/583-5216, spiritvacations.com.

Curaçao from $1,194
Seven nights at the beachfront Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino, including a $140 dining credit. Add $50 for round-trip transfers. The price is per room based on double occupancy, and it includes the seventh night for free. Airfare isn't covered. When: Until Dec. 20. Information: Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino, 888/778-4722, curacaomarriott.com.

Jamaica from $479
Air Jamaica flights from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay, transfers, and three nights at the all-inclusive Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. The price includes fuel surcharges. When: Oct. 8–Dec. 18. Other Gateways: Orlando ($497); Atlanta ($544); New York, Philadelphia ($633); Chicago ($674); L.A. ($746). SS: $122. Information: Air Jamaica Vacations, 800/568-3247, airjamaicavacations.com.